Wales wing George North in talks over move from Llanelli Scarlets to Northampton Saints

Wales might be celebrating a sensational win over England in the final game of
the Six Nations but another of their star players – Llanelli Scarlets wing
George North – could be set to join the exodus of players as their regional
teams continue to suffer from financial difficulties.

Saint George: Wales wing George North could move to Northampton this summerPhoto: AFP/GETTY IMAGES

North’s agent Christian Abt confirmed on Tuesday that Scarlets are in discussions with Aviva Premiership side Northampton over a possible move and also insisted that other teams are interested in powerful wing who, while still only 20, has already scored 12 international tries in 31 Test matches.

During that three-year period North has played just 37 times for Scarlets and, as the Welsh regions continue to struggle financially, that is a situation that is far form ideal, for either club or player.

“There has been an approach between the two clubs to discuss a possible transfer,” Abt confirmed on Tuesday. “I don’t think it will drag on too long. These things need to happen quite quickly if it’s going to happen so that each party knows where they stand. Ideally I’m sure it will resolve itself in the next couple of weeks.

“Unfortunately it’s been well documented it’s been a difficult time for some of the Welsh regions financially. They are looking at finding ways to work within a business model which makes financial sense for themselves to go forward and be sustainable in this current market.

“George is under contract for another year at the Scarlets and as far as I’m aware there are ongoing discussions between Scarlets and possibly a few other parties with regards to a possibility of George moving on from the summer. There has been interest from other Premiership outfits as well as French clubs expressing an interest as to when he might be out of contract.”

Wales are increasingly having to get used to some of their best players quitting the country with Mike Phillips (Bayonne), James Hook and Luke Charteris (both Perpignan), Gethin Jenkins (Toulon), Lee Byrne (Clermont Auvergne) and Aled Brew (Biarritz) all based in France, and with Jamie Roberts and Dan Lydiate poised to make the move to France next season.